Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.



Join the Independent Ford Owners' Club

Our community has been built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and proudly run by Ford owners' for over 18 years. As an independent, non-official club, everything you’ll find here, advice, support, and opinions, comes directly from members with genuine Ford ownership experience.

Join our friendly community... it's Free!

 

Smax immobiliser enabled, won't start

Vicky B
Vicky B
in General Ford Related Discussions

Featured Replies

Hi

Our Smax has suddenly decided it intermittently won't start. Sometimes it starts ok, sometimes you get a brief yellow immobiliser active message, then engine malfunction red message and it won't start. Have to lock the car, leave it 15 minutes then try again and it usually works. 

Garage says there are no diagnostic faults showing. 

Help please! 

  • Quote


    Hi,

    Is it key barrel ignition or keyless button start?

  • Quote

    Was that no fault codes showing when the fault wasn't active?
    IMHO, need to read them when having the issue?
    And I'd also ask (before anyone else) 😉 how old is the battery?

  • Quote
    • Author
    1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

    Hi,

    Is it key barrel ignition or keyless button start?

    Its keyless

  • Quote
    • Author
    1 hour ago, Shearers said:

    Was that no fault codes showing when the fault wasn't active?
    IMHO, need to read them when having the issue?
    And I'd also ask (before anyone else) 😉 how old is the battery?

    The garage plugged the diagnostic in while the message was on the screen and it wouldn't start but there were no fault codes!  I think the car battery is a few years old

  • Quote
    6 hours ago, Vicky B said:

    The garage plugged the diagnostic in while the message was on the screen and it wouldn't start but there were no fault codes! 

    Which is totally normal when non-Ford garages use generic code readers.

    If the message/fault was present then there had to be a DTC.

    Either use FORScan and diagnose the problem yourself or take the vehicle to a Ford dealer.

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    • Author

    Thankyou, it refused to start when I went to leave the dump this afternoon so I had to leave it there as they were closing soon! 

    I'm hoping it will start in the morning and I'll take it straight to Ford's garage 

  • Quote
    10 hours ago, Vicky B said:

    Thankyou, it refused to start when I went to leave the dump this afternoon so I had to leave it there as they were closing soon! 

    I'm hoping it will start in the morning and I'll take it straight to Ford's garage 

    There is an emergency position that you can put the key in if it won't start keylessly.  

    On a 2013 S-Max I think it'll have a removeable cover where the key barrel would normally be.  Remove that then push the whole fob in there.  If there isn't a removeable cover there then it'll be in the centre of the car somewhere, cubby hole, arm rest, cupholder, etc.  Should be a little picture of a key or a wifi type symbol.

  • Quote
    • Like 1

    On 2011 it's a flip out circular blank at the RHS of the steering column.

    Is it mentioned in the manual (in ours it's "Starting the engine" section)?

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    22 hours ago, Vicky B said:

    it refused to start when I went to leave the dump this afternoon so I had to leave it there as they were closing soon! 

    Has the vehicle been successfully recycled now ? 🤣

  • Quote
    • Haha 1

    Latest Deals

    Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessories

    Disclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    The "Digestive"

    • The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026)

      Steve ·
      The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026) We hope this email finds you well and enjoying your week. As always, our forum has been buzzing with activity, so we’ve compiled the highlights for you. Plenty of interesting discussions are taking place, especially around the Ford Focus and Fiesta models. Starting off with the Focus, many members have been discussing issues with the Emergency Call System, particularly in the Mk4 model. PLB raised concerns about persistent malfunctions, a se
      Steve
      Steve
      • 176 views





    Background Picker
    Customize Layout

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.